Northern and Pacific fleets hold Arctic drill

Warships from both the Northern and Pacific fleets have conducted a joint tactical exercise in the Arctic, Captain First Class Igor Dygalo, Navy Spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry's Press Service, told RIA Novosti.

Warships from the Northern and Pacific fleets conducted a joint tactical exercise near the New Siberian Islands Archipelago under a combat training plan, he said.

During the tactical exercise, warships and other vessels from the fleets sailed and maneuvered in formation, said Rear Admiral Viktor Kochemazov, Chief of the Russian Navy's Combat Training Directorate. The combined task force also conducted simulated air defense and anti-ship defense operations, launching their missiles and firing conventional artillery systems.

An "enemy" sabotage/reconnaissance team seized the ship Ivan Susanin, with commandos from the Northern Fleet's detached motorized rifle unit storming the vessel and regaining control of it. A Ka-27 helicopter provided fire support during the operation.